One World

Tonight the Communist University convenes at the Women’s Jail, 1 Kotze Street, Constitution Hill, to discuss “The working class as the leading motive force for developmental local government” by SACP GS Dr Blade Nzimande, plus excerpts from “Women and Resistance in South Africa” by Cheryl Walker. Next week, on Friday, April 7th, we will convene at the same time and place to discuss the late, great Evelyn Reed’s address on “Women – Caste, Class or Oppressed Sex”. Luli Callinicos, the illustrious author of the new biography of the late Oliver Tambo (and many other works) has kindly agreed to open the discussion. See link below. Please mobilise for this session - it is a good text and a good opportunity to interact with an outstanding educator. Today’s big South African working-class action news is the announcement of COSATU’s strike campaign against the boondoggle Gautrain. See linked item below. COSATU Gauteng Provincial Secretary Siphiwe Mgcina explains clearly the case for a different course of action, as he did yesterday on the radio. The famous Professor Issa Shivji of Dar-es-Salaam has kindly sent us the (linked) text below on Pan-Africanism and Imperialism. This is not the South African version of pan-Africanism. It is Nkrumah’s proposal that a unity of anti-Imperialist action was (and still is) required to defend Africa so that it can develop in peace towards socialism. Comrade Moloantoa Molaba has sent the linked item below, about child labour in Mumbai, India. He wrote: “I just can’t overcome my disgust. Any comrade that has more info on this slavery or any related material conditions that gave rise to parents actively handing over their kids, please let’s share.” The Stop the War Coalition based in London is the best organised movement against the war in Iraq and related conflicts, in the world. The (linked) e-mailed announcement of their annual conference, with a brief report of the year’s actions, is worth reading as an instruction on how to organise such movements. Links: 1970, Reed, Evelyn, Women - Caste, Class or Oppressed Sex (5584 words) COSATU to strike against Gautrain (981 words) Pan-Africanism or Imperialism revised, Issa Shivji, Dar (6000 words) Young slaves of Mumbai, Anapuma Katakam, Frontline (2034 words) Stop the War Coalition Newsletter re 5th Annual Conference (694 words)